Kotamudungala Raja Maha Viharaya, Molagoda

Kotamudungala Raja Maha Viharaya occupies a rocky temple site at Molagoda. Below the drip ledge of the principal cave are two inscriptions written in characters associated with the early centuries before the Common Era. Later religious features include a stupa on the rock and an image house with paintings belonging to a much more recent phase of the temple’s history. Local tradition links the site with King Valagamba, but that association should be understood as tradition rather than confirmed history. The combination of inscriptions, cave and later shrine buildings gives the site several distinct layers to examine.